2021 NFL Draft: Five teams that could trade down in the first round
By Kyle Edmond
Each year there are teams that trade down during the draft, but as the 2021 NFL Draft becomes more clear, who are the candidates to do so this year?
During the 2020 NFL Draft, 11 different first-round selections were traded at one point or another and the 2021 NFL Draft should be no different. With 11 picks being moved last year over a total of 13 trades, the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft should be an exciting one to follow and the trades will be just one of the reasons.
The highest pick that was moved during this past year’s draft was the No. 13 selection which was originally held by the Indianapolis Colts before being dealt to the San Francisco 49ers prior to the draft for DeForest Buckner and then again to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the draft for the Bucs to select Tristan Wirfs.
However, once the draft hit the 18th selection, the trades just kept coming. The 18th, 19th and 20th draft picks were all traded with the 22nd, 23rd, 25th and 26th picks following closely behind.
However, what could make the difference in the 2021 NFL Draft are the quarterbacks. The 2020 NFL Draft really only had three big-name quarterbacks in the class with Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert. This coming draft will be a much different story.
Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields are regarded as not only franchise quarterbacks, but potentially franchise-altering players. Not far behind will be Trey Lance and other emerging quarterbacks, that might include players like Zach Wilson.
Whatever the reason may be, the 2021 NFL Draft could be full of trades, especially in the early selections as teams fight for position to grab the player they feel could be a difference-maker for the next decade.
Depending on how the draft ends up, the teams included here could change. Based upon the current order of the draft and where teams are projected to finish, these teams are the favorites to listen to calls to move down in the draft order if the price is right.